I felt like this Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was modeling for me when it climbed out of the water onto a narrow slab of concrete and struck a pose. It was unusual for me to see a stationary heron out of the water—usually when I see them out of the water, they are flying. The blue waters make it look like I shot this in some exotic, tropical location, but I took this photo only a mile or so from where I live, at a small suburban pond surrounded by townhouses on one side and a well-travelled road on the other side.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Beautiful shot. This bird must be well acclimated to humans, which is great for photographers!
There are lots of people around (including some that I saw trying to feed it bread). I think it is a juvenile who needs to learn pretty quickly how to fend for himself.
Such great images – would like to take some nature shots like yours
Thanks. It’s enjoyable trying to get shots of wildlife, though it can be frustrating as you wait to find subjects of wait for action.
Your suburban schtick is wearing thin:)
I’ll either have to create a more exotic locale to give me greater credibility or include a shot sometime to show you what the pond actually looks like.
Either works for me.
Great composition. love the structure of the water against the structure of the feathers.
Thanks. This heron was pretty cooperative–I think it is a juvenile and does not yet have much fear of humans.
Oh my!!!
This is a great shot!
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